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LaMorris Crawford, Chaplain of the Carolina Panthers, to Speak

������Ƶ will inaugurate Dee McDonald, Ph.D., as its ninth president on Friday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. in the Everest-Rohrer Chapel/Fine Arts Center – Auditorium, in a ceremony that will honor the past while looking to the future. LaMorris Crawford, Chaplain of the Carolina Panthers, will give the inaugural address. An Afternoon Tea will be served from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Everest-Rohrer Rotunda, where guests may greet the president. Both events are free and open to friends of Bethel.

On April 28, 2025, the ������Ƶ board of trustees unanimously voted to appoint McDonald as president, and he began his tenure on July 1, 2025.

McDonald is in his 20th year of leadership in Christian higher education, most recently as Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing at Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minn. He has a history of strong enrollment growth and building high-performing teams at the four CCCU (Council for Christian Colleges & Universities) institutions he’s served.

He earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Southeastern University (Lakeland, Fla.), studying the relationship between authentic leadership, authentic followership and organizational commitment within Christian Higher Education; an MBA from Olivet Nazarene University (Bourbonnais, Ill.); and a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science Education, also from Olivet.

The presidential inauguration is part of Bethel’s Homecoming weekend. See below for a full schedule of events which are open to the public. For more information about the inauguration visit our website. For more information about homecoming events and to sign up, visit .

Friday, November 14

10 a.m. | Inauguration – Everest-Rohrer Fine Arts Center – Auditorium
������Ƶ will celebrate the inauguration of its 9th president, Dr. Dee McDonald, in a formal event that honors the past while looking to the future. FREE

1 p.m. | Historical Presentation – Taylor Memorial Log Chapel
Join Bethel Trustee and former Vice President Dennis Engbrecht for an engaging presentation about Bethel’s early years and the people, faith and vision that helped shape our university. FREE

1:30 p.m. | Campus Tours – Meet at the Van & Jean Gates Welcome Center
Discover Bethel’s campus on a guided tour led by student ambassadors. Experience the beautiful, park-like campus and engaging community firsthand. FREE

2 p.m. | Afternoon Tea – Everest-Rohrer Fine Arts Center – Rotunda
This event will be held in the Everest-Rohrer Fine Arts Center – Rotunda and will be a meet-and-greet style “high tea,” including tea and delectable refreshments. Alumni, friends, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend this FREE event!

5 p.m. | “Into the Woods” Character Dinner and Show – Dining Commons (ticketed)
Enjoy dinner with “Into the Woods” characters before the evening performance. Includes Chicken Finger Friday meal and show tickets.

7 p.m. | Musical “Into the Woods” – Everest-Rohrer Fine Arts Center – Auditorium (ticketed)
“Into the Woods”, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, follows Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, and a Baker and his Wife as they journey into the forest to make their wishes come true. But happily ever after doesn’t come without a price. With rich music, sharp wit and unexpected twists, this Tony Award-winning classic explores what happens after “once upon a time.” Purchase tickets

Saturday, November 15

12 p.m. | Hoops and Hot Dogs – Wiekamp Athletic Center
We’re giving free hot dogs and admission for alumni and their families to watch our men’s and women’s basketball games.

12 p.m. | Women’s Basketball – Wiekamp Athletic Center – Gates Gymnasium
Cheer on the Lady Pilots as they take on Rochester Christian University in Gates Gymnasium.

1 p.m. | Musical – “Into the Woods” – Everest-Rohrer Fine Arts Center – Auditorium (ticketed)
“Into the Woods”, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, follows Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, and a Baker and his Wife as they journey into the forest to make their wishes come true. But happily ever after doesn’t come without a price. With rich music, sharp wit and unexpected twists, this Tony Award-winning classic explores what happens after “once upon a time.” Purchase tickets at Tickets.BethelUniversity.edu.

2 p.m. | Men’s Basketball – Wiekamp Athletic Center – Gates Gymnasium
Cheer on the Pilots as they take on Saint Xavier University (Ill.) in Gates Gymnasium.